states in the united nations. yesterday the french president made clear that -- that they didn't see why the palestinian status shouldn't be upgraded in a vote in the general assembly. so my best guess at this point is that the discussion in the security council will be slowed down through procedural mechanisms, but the palestinians will push for a vote in the general assembly. and they will win that vote by a large margin. their status will be increased. and the israelis having lost their relationship with turkey and egypt, which they've had, will now be further isolated in the world. >> and has president obama -- he was as clear as could be about, quote, standing with israel yesterday in both of the -- the one on one meeting with netanyahu but also in his speech to the united nations. but that brings up the question, is the united states -- can president obama be the neutral -- the neutral party that helps the negotiations move forward between the israelis and the palestinians or does somehow the united states n